Module: App Development

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	App Development
Module Code	CA4094 (ITS) / CSC1113 (Banner)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Computing
Module Co-ordinator	Dongyun Nie
Module Teachers	Denise Freir, Michael Scriney
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the development of apps and the use of appropriate technologies. Students will consolidate their existing development knowledge and skills in the context of app development, and develop prototype apps as part of a team.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe and distinguish between the architectures and development environments of popular desktop and mobile platforms.
2. Design, implement and deploy apps.
3. Select and use appropriate tools in the development and marketing of apps.
4. Work collaboratively in a small apps development team.
5. Explain the role of the Cloud in app development as it applies to app development.
6. Explain the unique aspects of mobile user interfaces and context awareness, and their use in achieving quality user Pre-requis

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Directed learning	36	Weekly workshops and presentations
Group work	65	Apps development project
Independent Study	86	Individual study
Total Workload: 187

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Apps Development Platforms
Overview of major apps ecosystems. Considering whether to use native or web-based development ecosystems considerations of desktop and mobile development

Group Project
Team formation, project requirements and platform selection.

Overview of Development tools
Overview of programming languages (Python, Java,Objective-C, Javascript... ) and development environments (Xcode, Android Studio, Visual Studio Code, ...) used in apps development.

User interface and User Experience
UI principles, patterns and platform guidelines. Unique features of mobile HCI and the user experience (UX). Tools for designing user interfaces. Accessibility.

Data Management
Local databases and file storage. Leveraging cloud technologies.

Security
Consideration of Platform security and "sandboxes". Cryptography, cryptographic keys and security protocols.

Multimedia
Images, videos and audio. Using canvases and 3D graphics. Multimodal interaction in mobile apps.

Location Based Services
Using location information and context awareness. Maps and other location-based services.

Version Control and Testing
use of appropriate version control methods. testing on various devices and platforms.

App deployment
Deploying to app stores and marketing.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Presentation	Individual presentation to the class of a major aspect/feature of their chosen apps platform.	10%	n/a
Presentation	Team demonstration of the chosen app.	20%	Sem 1 End
Project	Design and implementation of a prototype web app as part of a team	70%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None